Visual Parables

12/09/2024

The New York TIMES just published this wonderful argue about 12 f the best films James Earl Jones was in. There are several that I haven't, so I found this especially interesting!

A look at standout movies featuring the actor, who died on Monday at the age of 93.

17/08/2024

I have just learned that Angel films will be releasing
"BONHOEFFER: PASTOR. SPY. ASSASSIN. - Based on the true story of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a pacifist who confronted evil in WWII and become involved in a plot to assassinate Hi**er. Directed by Todd Komarnicki (Elf, Sully), and starring Jonas Dassler, August Diehl, Moritz Bleibtreu, Clarke Peters, and David Johnson."
The film will be released Nov 22 - just before Thanksgiving. The trailer looks very promising--it includes the pastor's stay in The USA where he was introduced to African American music and racism. Can hardly wait to see it. I tried to copy & paste the link to the preview, but for some reason the link is lost, so go to IMDB and do this to view the exciting trailer.

20/07/2024

Just read an interview with Frederick Buechner in a recent issue of ReadtheSpirit.com, which is also the host of my Visual Parables. It was conducted by editor David Crumm. Like all things Buechner it is interesting and full of his wisdom. You can access it at https://readthespirit.com/explore/009-a-conversation-with-frederick-buechner/

Long before there was an Anne Lamott, a Rob Bell or a Brian McLaren there was a pioneer already shaping their genre of spiritual memoir: Frederick Buechner. Buechner carved out this niche with such understated style and grace that many of those who say they love his work are barely aware of the enti...

22/06/2024

Just posted the 4th film review this week, including the delightful INSIDE OUT 2. However, the best of the 4 is a Soviet era film named The Ascent in which the rare woman director dared to compare her 2 main characters, a pair of Nazi-captured soldiers, to Judas and Jesus. Check them out at

Hosted by former pastor and veteran film critic Ed McNulty, Visual Parables offers scholarly movie reviews that connect faith, film, and popular culture.

19/05/2024

Yesterday I was watching MSNBC, and during the commercials I checked on Ch. 64 (TCM) to see what's showing, as I often do. Never went back to the news because SEPERATE BUT EQUAL had just begun. Starring Sidney Poitier as Thurgood Marshall, it was mesmerizing. I had bought the DVD several years ago but had not got around to viewing it. Big mistake. I'll be reviewing it soon for VP. Love being able to go back to review specific scenes.
Turns out yesterday was the anniversary of Brown vs. Board of Education--and the network newscaster never mentioned this.

19/05/2024

Today is the birthday of my artist daughter Rebecca, whose beautiful creations have brough so much joy to children and adults, as well as to me and her sister and brothers. To see more of her gorgeous art go to http://www.dragonseyeadventures.com/.

09/03/2024

If you plan to watch the Oscars Sunday night, you might find my Presbyterian News article interesting:

Once more, we call to your attention some of the values and themes in the films that the Academy of Motion Pictures seeks to honor during this Sunday’s broadcast. I will be looking at nine of the 10 “Best Picture” nominees, as well as a couple of others.

22/02/2024

Hi all,
My Presbytery is again offering an opportunity to discuss and important film dealing with racism and sexism. See the details below. This is for anyone.
The Committee on Representation and Diversity
of the Presbytery of the Miami Valley invites you
to our March Film Discussion.
Join nationally known film reviewer (our own) Rev. Ed McNulty
to discuss The Color Purple (2023) on Tuesday, March 5, 2024 at 7:00 PM by Zoom.

Adapted from Alice Walker’s 1982 novel of the same name, The Color Purple tells the story of Celie, an African American woman living in the early 20th century South. It is one woman’s journey of resilience and hardships overcome, who ultimately finds independence, extraordinary strength, love, and hope in the unbreakable bonds of sisterhood.
How to participate:
In the privacy of your own home with family and friends, watch the film The Color Purple (2023). The film is available online at Amazon Prime Video, on YouTube Primetime, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu.
To receive the Zoom link so that you can participate in the discussion, register by Monday, March 4 on the Presbytery of Miami Valley Website:
https://miamipresbytery.org/committee-documents/

20/02/2024

Tonight at 7 PM EST I'll be co-leading a discussion of the film IF BEALE STREET COULD TALK. Based on a story by James Baldwin, it's a love story as well as film exposing the systemic racism of our law enforcement and judicial system. Here is the link for joining us. Though sponsored by the Presbytery of Miami Valley, the discussion is open to anyone, anywhere. Participants are to watch the film on their own.
Join Zoom Meeting

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86879584593?pwd=oBJOTwWrJWPjyrRje1KPDW7sRqsP5J.1

20/12/2023

Dear friends,
I am taking the liberty of sending this message to virtually everyone on my email list (and now on FaceBook) in order share some good news. My publisher at ReadtheSpirit.com in his current issue started with a piece honoring me--beyond any expectation. I had expected a plug for my book as a good Christmas gift for movie fans, but not what he wrote at https://readthespirit.com/home/ earlier this week.
Sending this out myself might appear to be a vain gesture--probably true--but still I want to share it.
Publisher David Crumm himself has a distinguished journalism career, so I felt very honored by his words. David highlights my C-R activities by including a picture of me in MS in 1964 and by providing links to some of my blog links carried on ReadtheSpirit.com. I plan to comment with a new blog there because the boy in the right side of the picture was later killed by the police, so I want to say more about him.
I hope this finds you well into your Christmas plans, and that you will try the above link to read further. During these days of merriment dimmed by so much tragic news, may you still, in the words of the beloved carol, "Rest beside the weary road, and hear the angels sing."

Ed Scott McNulty